M:7 Sports strongly believes that all youth sports athletes – regardless of background, financial circumstances, or living situations – should have equal access to youth sports in a safe and healthy environment with the very best coaching, equipment, and competition. At the same time, in the true spirit of its founding principles, M:7 Sports believes the mentorship, physical wellbeing, and mental health benefits of youth sports are needed now more than ever to give at-risk youth a chance at the best future possible. Through the launch of the M:7 Sports Foundation, M:7 Sports will attempt to eliminate the barriers that prevent athletes from participating in youth sports, particularly those related to income.

WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO PLAY?

1.) Easy Access to Infrastructure & Facilities – With just 13 indoor multi-sport facilities within 100 miles of Beaver County, local athletes, families, and teams are forced to overcome the financial, time, and transportation challenges to attend training or competition opportunities.to eliminate the barriers that prevent athletes from participating in youth sports, particularly those related to income.

2.) High Registration Fees & League Costs – To ensure their children are reaching their full potential in youth sports, many parents want them to play against the best at the club, travel, or AAU levels. Increasingly, this elevated level of competition comes with higher participation costs. In fact, estimated annual costs for cup or club soccer players can range from $2,500 to $10,000 based on the amount of travel.

3.) Rising Equipment Prices – It’s no secret that the U.S. economy is still grappling with the after effects of the Covid-19 health emergency, and the youth sports market, particularly related to equipment, is no exception. A 2022 study found that 36% of parents expected to spend between $500 and $1,999 on their children’s fall sports expenses, with 59% of parents saying those costs are a “financial strain” on their family.

The M:7 Sports Foundation — with the support from its Founding Partners — will help athletes, families, and teams in need through a range of grant programs designed to overcome the financial barriers to participating in youth sports by ensuring equitable access to playing opportunities. All grants and related materials will promote the complex’s Founding Partners.

GRANT PROGRAMS

The following M:7 Sports Foundation programs will be available to qualified applicants who meet eligibility requirements:

1.) Training Grants – Provide financial assistance to offset training programs, camps or facility rental time.

2.) Registration & Participation Grants – Financial assistance to offset costs associated with league registration fees, player participation fees, and tournament fees.

3.) Equipment Grants – To provide athletes or teams with financial assistance in order to purchase sports equipment so they can safely participate in competitive sports.

4.) Marketing Grants – Financial assistance for marketing services (photography, videography, social media management, brand development, etc.) needed for athletes to market themselves to college coaches and recruiters.

Grant Eligibility & Application Requirements: –

In order to merit consideration, prospective applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a youth sports team, league, or organization with a youth sports focus.
• Must be in a community located in BEAVER COUNTY, PA
• Priorities given to 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools.
• Cannot be a political organization.
• Grants must support under-resourced communities. M:7 Sports Foundation defines “under-resourced” as having a 25%+ poverty rate or 40% free/reduced school lunch rate.
• Grant request(s) must not exceed $25,000
• Employees of M:7 SPORTS INC. and their family members are not eligible for Foundation grants.

Interested in participationg or contributing to the foundation?

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